WHEN AND THEN
By Dave Veerman
When . . .
I gaze at the heavens
stars stretching night sky
my speck in the universe
wondering why
Then . . .
Infinite, sovereign
eternal Creator
choosing, descending
lesser from greater
When . . .
I look at my children
each miracle birth
once tiny, now grown
parent-sacrifice worth
Then . . .
Intricate embryo
in virgin mother
helpless infant, child
adolescent big brother
When . . .
I reflect on the journey
through life's twisting trail
love, pain, joy, sorrow
my humanity frail
Then . . .
Tempted, tried, tested
touching and teaching
with fierce opposition
broken lives reaching
When . . .
I know my rebellion
sin's profound cost
divine separation
accountable, lost
Then . . .
abandon, forsaken
nailed cross-tree
sin-bearer, the Savior
died there for me
John 1:1–5, 10-–14:
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world . . .
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.
When . . .
I ponder the limits
time, space compressed
God incarnation
eternally blessed!
